Steve McQueen might be as much of a legendary figure in the automotive world as he was in Hollywood.
A notorious “gear-head,” many of McQueen’s most memorable films feature a legendary car.
In his film “Bullitt,” which includes what many consider the greatest car chase in movie history, he drove a 1968 Mustang. Its influence was so strong, the car became the most expensive Ford Mustang ever sold at $3.74 million in 2020.
McQueen's Porsche 917K from “Le Mans,” now owned by Jerry Seinfeld, is set to sell at Mecum Auctions next month and could nab $20 million according to some estimates.
The Porsche was used in the 1971 film, which recreated the famous race for the big screen. The car was driven by McQueen during the actual 1970 Le Mans race in France, with the actor behind the wheel in front of 50,000 spectators and a production team of 221.
The film became a hit, still considered one of the greatest and most authentic motorsport films in history. As a result, the car became a piece of automotive history.
Its history is well-documented and littered with important names, beginning with McQueen himself, who purchased it directly, along with Solar Productions, from the Porsche Factory in 1970. Soon after filming, it saw time on the race track with drivers Willi Kauhsen, Reinhold Joest, Angel Monguzzi and Jo Siffert behind the wheel.
In 1975, Porsche factory driver and race Hall of Famer Brian Rodman purchased it. After his death in 1978, the car was given to Richard Atwood, a former Grand Prix world champion and legendary Porsche driver. Atwood sold it in 1999 to a collector named Frank Gallogly, who quickly sold it to Seinfeld in 2001.
The comedian has consigned the car to Mecum after more than two decades of ownership.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.